Due to the introduction and adoption of new technology, Indigenous people may live more modern lifestyles than in the past. For example, Indigenous people once used wooden outrigger canoes and wooden spears for transport, fishing and hunting, but may now prefer to use small, motorized boats, fishing rods or spear guns.

This is still considered traditional use because the emphasis is not on the tools but on the cultural practices of hunting and gathering, the knowledge of where to find food resources and the preparation, social sharing and consumption of these resources.